Anna and the King was a short-lived situation comedy broadcast in the United States by CBS as part of its 1972 fall lineup. A situation comedy, usually referred to as a sitcom, is a genre of comedy programs which originated in radio. ... CBS (an abbreviation for Columbia Broadcasting System, its former legal name) is one of the largest television networks, and formerly one of the largest radio networks, in the United States. ... This was the television schedule on all three networks for the fall season beginning in September 1972. ...

Anna and the King was based on the 1956 film of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I, which was in turn based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. Unlike the majority of attempts to turn hit films into television series, Anna and the King starred the film's king, Yul Brenner, who was probably more identified with that role than any other that he ever played. The plot, like that of the musical, involved the king's bringing to Siam of a British governess, Anna Owens (portrayed here by Samantha Eggar), to educate his 12 year old son and heir, Crown Prince Chulalongkorn (Brian Tochi). As time goes on, the two develop a platonic infatuation with each other, despite the low status of women in Siamese society, which appalls Anna, as does the king's related practice of polygamy. Also appearing regularly was a member of the royal household, Kralahome (Keye Luke). See also: 1955 in film 1956 1957 in film 1950s in film years in film film // Events November 15 - The film Love Me Tender starring Elvis Presley (his first film) opens. ... Rodgers and Hammerstein were an American songwriting duo consisting of Richard Rodgers (1902–1979) and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895–1960). ... The King and I is a musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, with a script based on the book Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. ... A novel (from French nouvelle Italian novella, new) is an extended, generally fictional narrative in prose. ... Anna and the King of Siam is a 1944 book by Margaret Landon, a play and a 1946 movie. ... Margaret Landon (September 7, 1903 - December 4, 1993) was an American writer who became famous for Anna and the King of Siam, her 1944 novel of the life of Anna Leonowens. ... Yul Brynner Yul Brynner (July 7, 1915 – October 10, 1985) was a Russian actor born Yul Borisovich Bryner in Vladivostok, Russia who appeared in many movies and stage productions. ... Anthem: Phleng Chat Royal anthem: Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami Capital Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) Largest city Bangkok Thai Government Constitutional Monarchy under Military junta  - King HM The King Bhumibol Adulyadej  - Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont  - President of the Council of National Security General Sonthi Boonyaratglin Independence from Khmer Empire   - Sukhothai... From The Walking Stick, 1970 Samantha Eggar (born March 5, 1933) is a British actress. ... A Crown Prince or Crown Princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. ... Brian Keith Tochi (born May 2, 1959, in Los Angeles, California) is an American actor, screenwriter, movie director and producer. ... Platonic love in its modern popular sense is an affectionate relationship into which the sexual element does not enter, especially in cases where one might easily assume otherwise. ... The term polygamy (many marriages in late Greek) is used in related ways in social anthropology and sociobiology and sociology. ... Keye Luke (陸錫麒 Pinyin: Lù Xílín) (June 18, 1904 - January 12, 1991) was a Chinese-born American actor. ...

While the musical, both film and stage versions, was a tremendous worldwide hit (Brenner was still touring in the stage version until just before his death), this series was not and it was cancelled at midseason.

Reference

Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle, The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows is a trade paperback reference work by the American television researchers Tim Brooks and Earle Marsh , published by Ballantine Books. ...